Name: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced; 1 cup orzo pasta; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup baby spinach or kale (optional); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a comforting, one-pan dinner that’s rich, flavorful, and easy to pull together in under 30 minutes. I simmer orzo pasta in a creamy garlic sauce with savory slices of chicken sausage and tender vegetables. Everything cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flexible, and feels like a full meal without a lot of effort. The orzo soaks up all the flavor from the sausage and cream sauce, while the dish stays creamy and satisfying without being heavy. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner and makes delicious leftovers for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken sausage (sliced, fully cooked)
Orzo pasta
Garlic (minced)
Onion (chopped)
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Baby spinach or kale (optional for added greens)
Red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
I add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
I stir in the orzo and toast it for a minute to add flavor.
I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10 minutes).
I stir in the cream and Parmesan, then season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
If I’m using spinach, I stir it in at the end and let it wilt.
I let everything simmer for another 2–3 minutes until creamy and well combined.
I serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the chicken sausage for spicy Italian or turkey sausage. I’ve also used mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for added veggies. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and for extra protein, I stir in cooked chicken or chickpeas.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. The orzo thickens as it sits, but it stays creamy with a little extra liquid.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken sausage?

Yes, I slice it and cook it fully before adding the orzo. I just make sure it’s browned and cooked through before moving on.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, I use whole milk or a mix of milk and a little cream cheese for a lighter but still creamy result.

What’s the best type of orzo to use?

I use regular orzo (not whole wheat or gluten-free) for the best texture, but any kind will work with slight adjustments to cook time and liquid.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. I skip the sausage or replace it with veggie sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What sides go well with this?

It’s a complete meal on its own, but I sometimes serve it with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a bit more freshness.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is one of my favorite easy meals—hearty, flavorful, and ready in just one pan. It’s the kind of dish I turn to when I need something cozy and filling but don’t want to spend all night cooking. With its savory sausage, tender pasta, and creamy finish, it always hits the spot.